The best way to see Umbria is from the heart of its rolling countryside. Rent a car and stay in one of the many luxury ‘agriturismos’ – converted farmhouses – that populate the area. Our favourite is the secluded Tenuta di Murlo, which has been owned by the same family for generations and occupies some 6,000 hectares of land. The estate’s concierge can organise guided hikes, mountain biking, horse-riding, tennis lessons, or a far more sedate wine-tasting session at nearby vineyards like Montefalco or Sagrantino. There are 9 luxury properties scattered across their land, all with daily housekeeping services and in-house spa treatments available. Villa Torre (pictured) has its own roof terrace and heated infinity pool. If self-catering doesn’t appeal, there’s a delicious on-site restaurant, Il Caldaro, open for lunch and dinner. Tip: visit in November for the best olive oil – it’s when they harvest the crops.

Tenuta di Murlo, Strada Antognolla

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EAT: Truffles

Umbria is one of the few regions of Italy that doesn’t border the sea, giving it a particularly unique cuisine. It’s especially strong when it comes to olive oil, pork and that love-it-or-hate-it delicacy, truffles. For connoisseurs, truffle season runs from January to April, with a dedicated festival in the last two weeks of February. Worth a stop at any time of the year is Tartufi Bianconi, a farm shop-slash-museum where you can buy premium black and white truffles plus infused sauces, pastas and oils. Book ahead for their onsite cookery courses and the chance to be a real-life ‘tartufaio’ – truffle hunter.

Loc. Santo Stefano del Piano, 21

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VISIT: Assisi

Spend a day wandering along the cobbled streets of Assisi. The majestic Basilica di San Francesco is the first thing you’ll spot on the horizon on the drive into town - it was built for Saint Francis in 1228. Take a tour to see frescoes by some of the best known artists of the time.

Piazza Inferiore di S. Francesco, 2

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DINE: Locanda del Cardinale

After a stroll through Assisi, stop off for lunch at the beautifully-restored Locanda del Cardinale, set in a former cardinal’s palace. Diners eat over a glass floor that looks down onto crumbled Roman ruins. The restaurant’s modern update on traditional Umbria fare matches the special view too.

Piazza Vescovado, 8

BUY: Cashmere

Umbria’s nickname is the “cashmere valley”, thanks in part to Brunello Cucinelli, who set up his first workshop in the small fourteenth-century hamlet of Solomeo. Fifteen minutes away by car is Lamberto Losani’s boutique too, and there are plenty of discounted outlets dotted throughout the area. Spend an afternoon or two stocking up on fine knits.